In the morning write up of the Lightning's victory over the Panthers, Erik Erlendssson [url=http://bolts.tbo.com/lightning/MGBMB1AS0EE.html]writes that John Tortorella is now seriously considering carrying seven defensemen on the roster.[/url] Tortorella also indicates the decision may hinge on what is available on the waiver wire.
The remaining young defensemen in camp, Timo Helbling, Doug O'Brien and Andy Rogers, are expected to suit up again tonight for the game against the Buffalo Sabres. Rogers, an unsigned former first round draft pick, would need a contract to begin the year in Tampa. By rule, he could still be sent back to junior after playing up to 10 NHL games. The team's final cuts will occur on Monday, which also is the day the Springfield Falcons' camp will open.

[url=http://bolts.tbo.com/lightning/MGBSKIR9ZDE.html]Erik Erlendsson of the Trib is reporting LW Mitch Fritz has been recalled with a view towards the Buffalo Sabres exhibition game this weekend.[/url] Several of Buffalo's players have been attempting to brawl their way into NHL roster spots and GM Jay Feaster has concluded Fritz needs to be available if the trend continues.

In Brandon today, The Tampa Bay Lightning completed their final day of camp scrimmages. Team Blue, which boasted the team's number one line of Fredrik Modin, Brad Richards and Martin St. Louis won the tournament with a 4-1 record.
Brad Richards [url=http://www.tampabaylightning.com/files/CampStats.pdf]won the tournament scoring title[/url] with 18 points in 5 scrimmage games. Richards also finished tied with his linemate St. Louis for the tournament high of 7 goals in 5 games.
In general the scrimmages separated the men from the boys, so to speak, in showing the wide disparity in ability between the camp's veterans and the Lightning's prospects. Failing to make their mark in Brandon, the Lightning's prospects will have to hope to have an opportunity in the exhibition games beginning Monday at Detroit.

Winger Jimmie Olvestad scored a goal and an assist as Sweden toppled the Czech Republic 5-3. Once again, Lightning prospect Andreas Holmqvist played on Sweden's first pairing with veteran Kenny Jonsson.
And, in the early game, Russia defeated Finland 4-1. Anton But assumed playing time on Russia's second line and former Lightning player Alexander Kharitonov chipped in an assist in the victory.